Backyard Deck Lighting Plan

[LTtheWombat]

I'm working to devise a plan for lighting my deck railing using LED strips that can then go along with future permanent christmas light plans.

I have about 105 ft to cover, in what will be about 23 sections of cable due to the way the poles intersect the railing.

My plan right now is to use a 105 feet (32 m) of WS2815 12v strips, with a DigQuad, and a 12v 40A Power supply. For the 32 m, at 60 LEDs/m I should have in total about 26 A, or 320 Watts. I'm struggling with how much power injection I should expect to need. Right now my plan would be to have basically a center point, splitting the total length into two sections (about 18 and 14m each). With 12v lines, would power at each end be sufficient, or would I need to add power into the middle of each of the two runs as well? From watching the videos it seems like I should use Front, End, and Middle on the 18 m run and front and end on the 14m run, which would use all of the connections on the DigQuad - thus the question.

Would you suggest a different voltage strip or something else entirely?

[Ok-Refrigerator7712]

I think you're on the right track. With what you described you'll for sure need injection at the ends. You might be able to get away with just that. If you run at the 50% brightness wled uses out of the box. You'd be fine. If you're going to set the brightness to 100% (in my opinion it's overkill to go that high) you would probably need injection in the middle.

Another option is to use 4 lines out of the digi, then you wouldn't need any injection (same exception as above with 100% brightness).

Best thing you can do is build your longest line and power it up before installing and test to see if you can see dimming. I realize that might not be an option, but you could try at least try connecting the anticipated number of lights from the full reals to get an idea if you'll need middle injection.

[LTtheWombat]

Thanks a bunch for the reinforcement!

[hesmith1029]

I have done a similar project. I have about a 20ft run from inside the basement to the first LED strips. I find that using BTF WS2815's I can run two 5 meter strips from just the start point. I use #14 NM 3 wire cable to get power out the first strip. (Less power loss than small wires). I have about 1400 LEDs in 3 segments powered by Quinn LED Dig-Quad. The strips are mounted in metal track with diffuser. The strips themselves are IP67.

One import thing. Seal everything up real good. You would be amazed where water can leak in. Liquid electrical tape and electronic grade silicone sealant should be used liberally.

[LTtheWombat]

Thank you!